Screed joints

ABSTRACT

Screed joints for use in plastering and stucco applications. Various embodiments of screed joints for forming screed walls for different thicknesses of plaster materials applied to adjoining walls or other structures are disclosed. The walls or other structures may be of similar or dissimilar constructions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to trim members used in connection with the application of stucco and other wall coating materials to the exteriors of buildings and building foundations and, more particularly, to screed joints which facilitate the application of different thicknesses of stucco, plaster or similar materials to building walls.

2. Description of the Invention Background

Plaster, cement and stucco-type building materials have been employed in the construction of walls for residential and commercial buildings for many years to achieve a variety of different designs and wall textures. Various methods and application techniques exist for applying such materials to walls and other structures. One such method that is commonly employed involves attaching lath material to a wall frame constructed from wood or metal studs. The lath material serves to stabilize the plaster while it is in its flowable state prior to drying. Similar approaches are also commonly employed when the underlying structure is fabricated from, for example, concrete or concrete blocks. The lath material is applied to the wall surface (exterior or interior—what ever the case may be) and then the plaster material is applied to the lath. In other applications, however, the plaster is applied directly to sheathing or wallboard material.

In the past, trim members known as “weep screeds” have been developed to for use in connection with the application of stucco, plaster or similar materials to exterior framed walls. Such trim members are commonly attached to the base of an exterior framed wall and are strategically positioned to overlap the joint between the exterior framed wall and the foundation wall. The weep screeds serve to provide support for the stucco or plaster coating that is applied to the exterior framed wall and also facilitate drainage for water between the exterior framed wall and the underlying foundation. These trim members commonly have a vertical attachment member and an outwardly protruding flange that angles downwardly from the bottom of the vertical attachment member. The outwardly protruding flange bends downwardly and rearwardly toward the foundation. A vertically extending lip is commonly formed on the end of the flange.

Water that contacts the exterior coating surface may be absorbed into the surface and into the building layers beneath the exterior coating surface. When weep screeds are employed, the water drains down and weeps from the structure along the edges of the weep screed. Weep screed are generally intended to reduce moisture penetration into the wall cavity, particularly in areas where water is permitted to accumulate where the upper and lower walls join together. Prior weep screed arrangements are ill-suited for applications wherein a second thickness of the stucco or plaster material is to be applied to the foundation itself.

In addition, in applications involving walls of different construction, which is often the case in applications wherein the walls are of framed construction and the foundation walls are formed of concrete materials, those walls may expand and contract at different rates. Prior weep screed arrangements are ill-suited for accommodating such movement between the walls, particularly in applications wherein the stucco or plaster materials are applied to the framed walls and the foundation walls.

Thus, there is a need for screed joints that form screed edges to accommodate adjoining stucco or plaster materials that are of different thicknesses and that are applied to joint between exterior framed walls and foundation walls. There is a further need for screed joints that are flexible and capable of accommodating movement due to, for example, expansion and contraction of the of the adjoining wall structures which may be of dissimilar construction.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a screed joint that comprises a first attachment flange and a first screed wall that extends from the first attachment flange at a first obtuse angle. The first screed wall has a distal end that is spaced from the first attachment flange. A second screed wall extends from the distal end of the first screed wall and also has a proximal end. A second support flange extends from the proximal end of the second screed wall and forms a second angle therewith. A screed lip extends from the second screed wall at a location between the distal end of the first screed wall and the proximal end of the second screed wall.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a screed joint that has a first attachment flange and a second base flange that is spaced from the first attachment flange. A first screed wall extends from the first attachment flange at a first obtuse angle and has a distal end that is spaced from the first attachment flange. A second screed wall extends from the second base wall and has a proximal end and a distal end. A flexible attachment assembly extends between the distal end of the first screed wall and the distal end of the second screed wall such that the first and second screed walls are in spaced relationship to each other to facilitate flexible movement therebetween. A screed lip extends from the second screed wall at a location between the distal end of the second screed wall and the proximal end of the second screed wall.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a screed joint for use in connection with a first lower wall and a second upper wall that is supported on the first lower wall and which forms a joint therebetween. One embodiment of the screed joint comprises a lower screed portion that is attachable to the first lower wall adjacent the joint and an upper screed portion that is attachable to the second upper wall to slidably overlap a portion of the lower screed portion. The upper screed portion defines a space between the upper screed portion and the lower screed portion for receiving a sealant material therein.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a wall structure that includes a first wall that has a first wall surface and a second wall that is supported on the first wall such that a joint is formed therebetween. The wall structure further includes a screed joint that comprises a first attachment flange that is attached to the second wall. A first screed wall extends from the first attachment flange at a first obtuse angle and has a distal end that is spaced from the first attachment flange. A second screed wall extends from the distal end of the first screed wall. The second screed wall forms a second angle therewith. A screed lip extends from the second screed wall at a location between the distal end of the first screed wall and the proximal end of the second screed wall. A first amount of plaster is applied to the first wall surface such that the thickness of the first amount of plaster is equivalent to a distance between the screed lip and the first wall surface. A second amount of plaster is applied to the second wall surface and has a thickness that is equal to another distance between the distal end of the first screed wall and the first wall surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a screed joint embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the screed joint embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged end view of a portion of the screed joint of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the screed joint of FIGS. 1 and 2 applied to a framed wall and a foundation wall of a building;

FIG.4 is a cross-sectional view of another screed joint embodiment of the present invention applied to a framed wall and a foundation wall of a building;

FIG.5 is an end view of another screed joint embodiment of the present invention;

FIG.6 is a cross-sectional view of the screed joint embodiment of FIG. 5 applied to a framed wall and a foundation wall of a building;

FIG.7 is an exploded end view of a two piece screed joint of another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG.8 is a cross-sectional view of the screed joint embodiment of FIG. 7 applied to a framed wall and a foundation wall of a building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustrating the present embodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a screed joint 100 of the present invention used in connection with the application of plaster, stucco, etc. to the wall surfaces of a building. As used herein, the term “plaster” encompasses not only commercially available wall plaster materials, cement and stucco materials, but also essentially any materials that are flowable in an uncured state and which solidify in a cured state. Also, the terms “first story” and “second story” and “first wall” and “second wall” have been used herein in an exemplary manner to described one use of various embodiments of the subject invention. Such terms should in no way be deemed as limiting use of various embodiments to use solely between first and second story walls. Various embodiments of the present invention could be effectively used between a varieties of adjoining walls regardless of which stories the adjacent walls are located on.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one screed joint 100 that may be used in connection with a building 10 that has a foundation 20 and a first story 30 that is supported on and attached to the foundation 20. In one application, the foundation 20 is fabricated from concrete materials. For example, the foundation 20 may be fabricated from concrete blocks, poured concrete, etc. The foundation 20 has a first wall 22 that has a first wall surface 24. See FIG. 3.

The first story 30 that is located on the foundation 20 may, for example, be of framed construction and be fabricated from wood or metal framing components generally designated as 32. Wallboard material 34 such as that material sold under the trademark CELOTEX® or other sheet materials such as plywood, particle board, etc. may be attached thereto to form a second wall 36 that has a second wall surface 38. In this embodiment, the second wall surface 38 is substantially coplanar with the first wall surface 24. For example, the wall surfaces 24, 38 are located on a plane A-A as shown in FIG. 3. A space or joint 40 is formed between the first wall 22 of the foundation 20 and the second wall 36 of the first story. The screed joint 100 of the present invention is sized to span the joint 40 as shown in FIG. 3.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the screed joint 100 includes a first attachment flange 110 that may be provided with a series fastener holes 112 for receiving fasteners 114 to attach the first attachment flange 110 to the second wall 36. Fasteners 114 may comprise, for example, nails, screws, etc. In one embodiment, for example, the fastener holes are spaced approximately six inches on center. However, other fastener spacing and fastener arrangements may be used. The first attachment flange 110 has a height “H”. In one embodiment, for example, “H′ may be approximately 3½ inches. However, the attachment flange 110 may be provided with other heights, if desired. In addition, the first attachment flange 110 may be perforated to enable the plaster material to flow into the perforations.

A first angled screed wall 130 protrudes from the first attachment flange 110 such that a first angle “B” is formed therebetween. In one embodiment, the first angle “B” is greater than 90°. The portion of the first angled screed wall 130 that is spaced from the first attachment flange 110 is referred to herein as a distal end 132. When the first attachment flange 110 is attached to the second wall 36, the distal end 132 is spaced from the second wall surface 38 of the second wall 36 a distance “C” that is substantially equal to the desired thickness of a second amount of plaster or stucco 190 to be applied to the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36. Thus, the distal end 132 of the first angled screed wall 130 may function as a reference screed for applying a desired second amount of stucco or plaster 190 to the second wall 36. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the distal end 132 of the first angled screed wall 130 to screed off the excess plaster so that the second amount of plaster 190 has a substantially uniform thickness. In one embodiment, for example, distance “C” is approximately ¾ inch. In another embodiment, distance or thickness “C” is approximately ⅞ inch. However, distance “C” may vary depending upon the application.

A second screed wall 140 extends from the distal end 132 of the first angled screed wall 130 and has a proximal end 142 that has a second support flange 150 extending therefrom. The second support flange 150 is substantially coplanar with the first attachment flange 110 and forms a second angle “D” with respect to the second screed wall 140. In one embodiment, angle “D” is approximately 90°. However, angle “D′” may comprise other angles without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the second support flange 150 may have a length “L” that is approximately 1½ inches. However, the second support flange 150 may be provided with different lengths “L”, depending upon the application. See FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the second support flange 150 is not attached to the first wall 22 as shown in FIG. 3.

A screed lip 160 extends downwardly from the second screed wall 140 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The outermost edge of the screed lip 160 is located a distance “E” from the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22 when the screed joint 100 is attached to the second wall 36 as shown in FIG. 3. The screed lip 160 may function as a reference screed for applying a desired first amount of stucco or plaster 180 to the first wall 22. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the screed lip 160 to screed off the excess plaster so that the first amount of plaster 180 has a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, distance “E′” may be substantially equal to the desired thickness of the first amount of plaster or stucco 180 to be applied to the exterior surface 24 of the wall 22. In one embodiment, for example, distance “E” may be approximately ½ inch. In another embodiment, distance “E” may be ⅜ inch. However, distance “E” may vary depending upon the application. Also in one embodiment, the screed lip 160 may protrude outwardly from the second screed wall 140 approximately ¼ inch. However, the screed lip 160 may be provided with other lengths.

To facilitate drainage of moisture/water that might infiltrate between the upper amount of plaster 190 and the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36 and migrate into the joint 40 between the first wall 22 of the foundation 20 and the second wall 36 of the first story, one or more weep holes 170 may be provided through the second screed wall 140. The weep holes 170 provide avenues for the water drain from the screed joint 100. In other embodiments, one or more weep holes 170 may also be provided through the first angled screed wall 130 and, in other embodiments, no weep holes may be provided through either of the screed walls 130, 140.

In one embodiment, a space “S” is provided between the first angled screed wall 130 and the second angled screed wall 140 at the distal end 132. See FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, “S” is approximately ¼ inch. Such space facilitates the movement of the screed walls 130, 140 relative to each other to enable them to accommodate slight movements of the first and second amounts of plaster 180, 190.

FIG. 4 illustrates another screed joint 200 of the present invention used in connection with a building 10 that has a foundation 20 and a first story 30 that is supported on and attached to the foundation 20. As described above, the foundation 20 may be fabricated from concrete or other materials. The foundation 20 has a first wall 22 that has a first wall surface 24. The first story 30 that is located on and attached to the first wall 22 may, for example, be constructed from wood or metal framing components 32. Wallboard material 34 such as that material sold under the trademark CELOTEX® or plywood may be attached thereto to form a second wall 36 that has a second wall surface 38. In this embodiment, the second wall surface 38 is not substantially coplanar with the first wall surface 24. Thus, in this embodiment, the wall surface 24 lies along a plane H-H and the wall surface 38 lines along a plane G-G. Planes G-G and H-H are not coplanar with each other. In one embodiment, planes G-G and H-H may be approximately 7/16 inches apart which may be equivalent to the thickness of the wallboard comprising the second wall 36. A space or joint 40 is formed between the first wall 22 of the foundation 20 and the second wall 36 of the first story. The screed joint 200 of the present invention is sized to span the joint 40 as shown in FIG. 4.

this embodiment, the screed joint 200 is substantially identical to screed joint 100 except that the second screed wall 240 of joint 200 is wider than the second screed wall 140 to accommodate the offset nature of the first wall 22 and the second wall 36. The screed joint 200 has a first attachment flange 210 that may be provided with a series fastener holes for receiving fasteners 214 to attach the first attachment flange 210 to the second wall 36. Fasteners 214 may comprise, for example, nails, screws, etc.

A first angled screed wall 230 protrudes from the first attachment flange 210 such that a first angle “B′” is formed therebetween. In one embodiment, the first angle “B′” is greater than 90°. However, angle “B′” could comprise other angles. The portion of the first angled screed wall 230 remote from the first attachment flange 210 is referred to herein as a distal end 232. When the first attachment flange 210 is attached to the second wall 36, the distal end 232 is spaced from the second wall surface 38 of the second wall 36 a distance “C′” that is substantially equal to the desired thickness of a second amount of plaster or stucco 190 to be applied to the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36. Thus, the distal end 232 of the first angled screed wall 230 may function as a reference screed for applying a desired second amount of stucco or plaster 190 to the second wall 36. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the distal end 232 to screed off the excess plaster so that the second amount of plaster 190 has a substantially uniform thickness. In one embodiment, for example, distance “C′” is approximately ¾ inch. In another embodiment, distance “C′” is approximately ⅞ inch. However, distance “C” may vary depending upon the application.

A second screed wall 240 protrudes from the distal end 232 of the first angled screed wall 230 and has a proximal end 242 that adjoins a second support flange 250. The second support flange 250 is not coplanar with the first attachment flange 210 and forms an angle “D′” with respect to the second screed wall 240. In one embodiment, angle “D′” is approximately 90°. However, angle “D′” may comprise other angles. In one embodiment, the second support flange 250 is not attached to the first wall 22 as shown in FIG. 4.

A screed lip 260 protrudes downward from the second screed wall 240 and is located such that the outermost edge of the screed lip 260 is a distance “E′” from the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22 when the screed joint 200 is attached to the first wall 36 as shown in FIG. 4. The screed lip 260 may function as a reference screed for applying a desired first amount of stucco or plaster 180 to the first wall 22. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the screed lip 260 to screed off the excess plaster so that the first amount of plaster has a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, distance “E′” may be substantially equal to the desired thickness of the first amount of plaster or stucco 180 to be applied to the exterior surface 24 of the wall 22. In one embodiment, for example, distance “E′” may be approximately ½ inch. In another embodiment, distance “E′” may be ⅜ inch. However, distance “E′” may vary depending upon the application. Also in one embodiment, the screed lip 260 may protrude outwardly from the second screed wall 240 approximately ¼ inch. However, the screed lip 260 may be provided with other lengths.

When installed as shown in FIG. 4, a flowable elastic sealant material 192, such as a commercially available silicone sealant material, is placed between the inside surface of the second screed wall 240 and the bottom of the wallboard 34 to create a substantially weatherproof seal therebetween. To facilitate drainage of moisture/water that might infiltrate between the first amount of plaster 190 and the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36 and to prevent it from accumulating within the screed joint 200, one or more weep holes 270 may be provided through the second screed wall 240. The weep holes 270 provide avenues for the water drain from the screed joint 200. In other embodiments, no weep holes are provided.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a flexible screed joint 300 of the present invention that may be used in connection with a building 10 that has a foundation 20 and a first story 30 that is supported on and attached to the foundation 20. As described above, the foundation 20 may be fabricated from concrete or other materials. The foundation 20 has a first wall 22 that has a first wall surface 24. See FIG. 6.

The first story 30 that is located on and attached to the first wall 22 may, for example, be constructed from wood or metal framing components 32. Wallboard material 34 such as that material sold under the trademark CELOTEX® or plywood may be attached thereto to form a second wall 36 that has a second wall surface 38. A space or joint 40 is formed between the first wall 22 of the foundation 20 and the second wall 36 of the first story 30. The screed joint 300 of the present invention is sized to span the joint 40 as shown in FIG. 6.

This embodiment of the present invention includes a first attachment flange 310 that may be provided with a series fastener holes for receiving fasteners 314 to attach the first attachment flange 310 to the wall 36. Fasteners 314 may comprise, for example, nails, screws, etc. Attachment flange 310 has a height “H”. IN one embodiment “H” is approximately 3½ inches. However, height “H”: may vary depending upon the application.

This embodiment also includes a second base flange 350 that, in one embodiment, is spaced from and substantially coplanar with the first attachment flange 310. The second base flange 350 may be provided with holes for receiving fasteners to attach the second base flange 300 to the first wall 22 or the second base flange 350 may not be attached to the first wall 22. The second base flange 350 has a height designated as “K”. In one embodiment “K” is approximately 1½ inches. However, “K” may vary depending upon the application.

A first screed wall 330 extends from the first attachment flange 310 and a second screed wall 340 extends from the second base flange 350. A flexible attachment assembly, generally designated as 339, extends between the first screed wall 330 and the second screed wall 340 to facilitate movement between the first screed wall 330 and the second screed wall 340. The portion of the first screed wall 330 that adjoins the first attachment flange 310 is referred to herein as the first proximal end 332. The portion of the first screed wall 330 that is remote from the first attachment flange 310 is referred to herein as the first distal end 334. The first distal end 334 may be located a distance “C″” from the first attachment flange 310 wherein distance “C″” corresponds to a desired thickness of second plaster material 190 to be applied to the second exterior surface 38 of the second story wall 36 as will be discussed in further detail below. Thus, the first distal end 334 of the first screed wall 430 may function as a reference screed for applying a desired second amount of stucco or plaster 190 to the second wall 36. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the first distal end 334 to screed off the excess plaster so that the second amount of plaster 190 has a substantially uniform thickness. In one embodiment, for example, distance “C″” may be approximately ¾ inch. In other embodiments, “C″” is approximately ⅞ inch. However, “C″” could vary depending upon the application.

The portion of the second screed wall 340 that adjoins the second base flange 350 is referred to herein as the second proximal end 342. The second screed wall 340 further has a second distal end or drip edge 344 and an intermediate screed lip 360 protruding therefrom. Screed lip 360 is located a distance “E″” from the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22 when the screed joint 300 is attached to the second wall

FIG. 5. The screed lip 360 may function as a reference member for applying a desired second amount of stucco or plaster 190 to the first wall 22. Thus, distance “E″” is substantially equal to the desired thickness of the second amount of plaster or stucco 190 to be applied to the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22. In one embodiment, for example, distance “E″” may be approximately ½ inch. In another embodiment, distance “E″” may be ⅜ inch. However, distance “E″” may vary depending upon the application.

In one embodiment, the flexible attachment assembly 339 may have an accordion-like shape and include a first intermediate web 370 and a second intermediate web 380. The first intermediate web 370 adjoins the first screed wall 330 at its first distal end 334 and extends inwardly to form a first proximal end 372 that is spaced from the first proximal end 332 of the first screed wall 130 a distance “I” and from the second proximal end 342 of the second screed wall 340 a distance “J”. In one embodiment, for example, distance I could be approximately ¼ inch and distance “J” could be approximately ¼ inch. Other distances could also be employed which are sufficient to enable the first and second screed walls 330, 340 to move relative to each other. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the second intermediate web 380 extends from the proximal end 372 of etch first intermediate web 370 to the second distal end 344 of the second screed wall 340 to complete the flexible attachment assembly 339. See FIG. 5.

To facilitate drainage of moisture/water that might infiltrate between the upper amount of plaster 190 and the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36 and to prevent it from accumulating within the screed joint 300, one or more weep holes 390 may be provided through the first intermediate web 370. See FIG. 5. The weep holes 390 provide avenues for the water drain from the screed joint 300. In additional embodiments, weep holes may also be provided through the second intermediate web 380 and the second screed wall 340. In other embodiments, no weep holes are provided through any of portion of etch screed joint 300.

The screed joint 300 may be used as follows. After the first wall 22 and the second wall 36 have been constructed such that a space or joint 40 is formed therebetween, the screed joint 300 is oriented such that it spans the joint 40 and the first attachment flange 310 is in confronting relationship with the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36. Suitable fasteners 314 are inserted through at least some of the fastener holes in the first attachment portion 310 to attach the first attachment flange 310 to the second wall 36.

The second base flange 350 is also oriented in confronting relationship with the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22. Suitable fasteners may be used to attach the second base flange 350 to the first wall 22 or the second base flange 350 may not be attached to the first wall 22. See FIG. 6.

After the screed joint 300 has been attached in the above-described manner, the first amount of plaster, stucco, etc. 180 is applied to the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22 so that the outer surface 181 of the first plaster 180 stops at or is substantially even with the screed lip 360 as shown in FIG. 6. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the screed lip 360 to screed off the excess plaster so that the first amount of plaster has a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, the thickness of the first amount of plaster 180 is substantially equivalent to distance “E″” in this embodiment. Likewise, a second amount of plaster 190 is applied to the second wall surface 38 of the second wall 36 so that the outer surface 191 of the second amount of plaster 190 stops at or is substantially even with the distal end 334 of the first angled screed wall 330. Again, the installer may find it convenient to place a portion of the screed tool or other leveling tool on the distal end 334 to screed off or remove the excess plaster 190 so that the second amount of plaster has a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, the thickness of the second amount of plaster 190 is substantially equivalent to distance “C″” in this embodiment. The second amount of plaster 190 covers the first attachment flange 310 and the heads of fasteners 314.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a two-piece screed joint 400 of the present invention that may be used in connection with a building 10 that has a foundation 20 and a first story 30 that is supported on and attached to the foundation 20. As described above, the foundation 20 may be fabricated from concrete or other materials. The foundation 20 has a first lower wall 22 that has a first wall surface 24. The first story 30 that is located on and attached to the first wall 22 may, for example, be constructed from wood or metal framing components 32. Wallboard material 34 such as that material sold under the trademark CELOTEX® or plywood may be attached thereto to form a second wall 36 that has a second wall surface 38. A space or joint 40 is formed between the first lower wall 22 of the foundation 20 and the second upper wall 36 of the first story 30. The two piece screed joint 400 of the present invention is sized to span the joint 40 as shown in FIG. 8.

This embodiment of the present invention includes an upper screed portion 402 and a lower screed portion 500. The upper screed portion 402 includes a first attachment flange 410 that may be provided with a series fastener holes 412 for receiving fasteners 414 to attach the first attachment flange 410 to the second upper wall 36. Fasteners 414 may comprise, for example, nails, screws, etc.

A first angled screed wall 430 protrudes from the first attachment flange 410 such that a first angle “M” is formed therebetween. In one embodiment, the first angle “M” is preferably greater than 90°. The first angled screed wall 430 has a distal end 432. When the first attachment flange 410 is attached to the second wall 36, the distal end 432 is spaced from the second wall surface 38 of the second wall 36 a distance “N” that is substantially equal to the desired thickness of a second amount of plaster or stucco 190 to be applied to the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36. In one embodiment, for example, distance “N” is approximately ¾ inch. In another embodiment, distance “N′” is approximately ⅞ inch. However, distance “N” may vary depending upon the application.

A second screed wall 440 protrudes from the distal end 432 of the first angled screed wall 430 and has a proximal end 442 that has a second support flange 450 protruding therefrom. The second support flange 450 is substantially coplanar with the first attachment flange 410 and forms a second angle “O” with respect to the second screed wall 440. In one embodiment, angle “O” is approximately 90°.

The second screed portion 500 of this screed joint 400 includes a second or lower attachment flange 510 that is adapted for attachment to the first surface 22 of the first lower wall 24 by a series of fasteners 514 that extend through fastener holes 512. In one embodiment, the fasteners 514 comprise commercially available concrete fasteners. However, other suitable fasteners may be employed.

A lower screed wall 530 protrudes outward from the second attachment flange 510. The lower screed wall 530 may be arranged to form an angle “P” with the second attachment flange 510. In one embodiment, angle “P” is 90°. However, angle “P” could comprise other angles. The lower screed wall 530 terminates in a distal end 532. In one embodiment, a screed lip 560 is formed on the distal end 532. Screed lip 560 is located a distance “Q” from the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22 when the second portion 500 of the screed joint 400 is attached to the second first wall 22 as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, for example, distance “Q” may be approximately ½ inch. The screed lip 560 may function as a reference member for applying a desired first amount of stucco or plaster 190 to the first wall 22. Thus, distance “Q” is substantially equal to the desired thickness of the first amount of plaster or stucco 190 to be applied to the first exterior surface 24 of the first wall 22.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the second attachment flange 510 is attached to the first wall 22. The upper screed portion 402 is then oriented adjacent the second wall surface of the second wall 36 such that the first angled screed wall 430 overlaps an upper portion 512 of the second attachment flange and the second base flange 450 is in slidable contact with the upper portion 512 of the second attachment flange 510. As can be seen in FIG. 8, such arrangement defines a space 570 between the second screed wall 440 and the lower screed wall 530. In one embodiment, a flexible weatherproof seal 580 is formed between the second screed wall 440 and the lower screed wall 530 to prevent infiltration of moisture/water between the upper screed portion 402 and lower screed portion 500. In one embodiment, a conventional insulation backer rod 582 is installed in space 550 and is retained therein by a flowable elastic sealant material 584 which may comprise conventional silicone sealant or conventional sealants.

After the screed joint 400 has been attached in the above-described manner, the first amount of plaster, stucco, etc. 180 is applied to the first wall surface 24 of the first wall 22 so that the outer surface 181 of the first plaster 180 stops at or is substantially even with the screed lip 560 as shown in FIG. 8. The installer may find it convenient to place a portion of a screed tool or other type of leveling tool on the screed lip 560 to screed off the excess plaster 180 so that the first amount of plaster 180 has a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, the thickness of the first amount of plaster 180 is substantially equivalent to distance “Q” in this embodiment. Likewise, a second amount of plaster 190 is applied to the second wall surface 38 of the second wall 36 so that the outer surface 191 of the second amount of plaster 190 stops at or is substantially even with the distal end 432 of the first angled screed wall 430 as shown in FIG. 8. Again, the installer may find it convenient to place a portion of the screed tool or other leveling tool on the distal end 432 to screed off or remove the excess plaster 190 so that the second amount of plaster 190 has a substantially uniform thickness. Thus, the thickness of the second amount of plaster 190 is substantially equivalent to distance “N” in this embodiment. The second amount of plaster 190 covers the first attachment flange 410 and the heads of fasteners 414. The reader will appreciate that such two part screed joint 400 enables the second wall 36 and the second amount of plaster 190 applied thereto to move relative to the first wall 22 and the first amount of plaster 180 applied thereto.

To facilitate drainage of moisture/water that might infiltrate between the upper amount of plaster 190 and the second exterior surface 38 of the second wall 36 and to prevent it from accumulating within the screed joint 300, one or more weep holes 590 may be provided through the first angled screed wall 430. See FIG. 8. The weep holes 590 provide avenues for the water drain from the screed joint 400. In additional embodiments, weep holes 590 may also be provided through the second screed wall 440. In other embodiments, no weep holes are provided through any of portion of etch screed joint 400.

The various screed joint embodiments of the present invention may be fabricated from vinyl material utilizing conventional extrusion techniques and equipment. For example, Exterior Grade polyvinylchloride (PVC) having the following grade numbers is particularly well-suited for exterior applications: ASTM-D-4216, ASTM-C-1063, and ASTM-D-1784. However, the various screed joint embodiments of the present invention could also be fabricated from other polymer materials having the desired ultraviolet light resistance, etc. or metal materials or the like could be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the unique and novel screed joint embodiments of the present invention solve many problems encountered when applying different thicknesses of plaster along adjoining building walls. Various embodiments of the present invention provide an effective way of establishing the desired thickness of materials to be applied while forming screed walls along a point wherein the different thicknesses of material are adjacent to each other. Various embodiments of the subject invention also enable the first screed wall to move independent from the second screed wall to accommodate different material movements due to, for example, differences in thermal expansion and contraction. While various embodiments of the screed joint of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in connection with adjoining walls of dissimilar construction, various embodiments of the present invention can also be effectively used along joints between walls of like construction. Thus, the scope of protection afforded to various embodiments of the present invention should not solely be limited to applications involving use with walls, structures, etc. that are of dissimilar construction.

The invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby. 

1. A screed joint, comprising: a first attachment flange; a first screed wall extending from said first attachment flange at a first obtuse angle, said first screed wall having a distal end spaced from said first attachment flange; a second screed wall extending from said distal end of said first screed wall, said second screed wall having a proximal end; a second support flange extending from said proximal end of said second screed wall and forming a second angle therewith; and a screed lip extending from said second screed wall at a location between said distal end of said first screed wall and said proximal end of said second screed wall.
 2. The screed joint of claim 1 wherein said first attachment flange and said second support flange are substantially coplanar.
 3. The screed joint of claim 1 wherein said first attachment flange and said second support flange are not coplanar.
 4. The screed joint of claim 3 wherein said first attachment flange lies on a first plane and wherein said second attachment flange lies along a second plane that is substantially parallel to said first plane.
 5. The screed joint of claim 2 wherein said second angle is substantially 90 degrees.
 6. The screed joint of claim 1 further comprising at least one weep hole through at least one of said first screed wall and said second screed wall.
 7. A screed joint, comprising: a first attachment flange; a second base flange spaced from said first attachment flange; a first screed wall extending from said first attachment flange at a first obtuse angle, said first screed wall having a distal end spaced from said first attachment flange; a second screed wall extending from said second base wall and having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible attachment assembly extending between said distal end of said first screed wall and said distal end of said second screed wall such that said first and second screed walls are in spaced relationship to each other and wherein said flexible attachment assembly facilitates flexible movement between said first and second screed walls; and a screed lip extending from said second screed wall at a location between said distal end of said second screed wall and said proximal end of said second screed wall.
 8. The screed joint of claim 7 wherein said flexible attachment assembly member has an accordion-like shape.
 9. The screed joint of claim 7 wherein said flexible attachment assembly comprises: a first intermediate web extending from said first distal end of said first screed wall, said first intermediate web having a proximal end spaced from said proximal end of said first screed wall; and a second intermediate web extending between said proximal end of said first intermediate web and said distal end of said second screed wall.
 10. The screed joint of claim 7 wherein said first attachment flange and said second base flange are substantially coplanar.
 11. The screed joint of claim 7 further comprising at least one weep hole through at least one of said first screed wall and said first intermediate web.
 12. A screed joint for use in connection with a first lower wall and a second upper wall supported on the first lower wall and defining a joint therebetween, said screed joint comprising: a lower screed portion attachable to the first lower wall adjacent the joint; an upper screed portion attachable to the second upper wall to slidably overlap a portion of the lower screed portion to define a space between said upper screed portion and said lower screed portion; and sealant material in said space between said upper screed portion and said lower screed portion.
 13. The screed joint of claim 12 wherein said sealant material comprises: a flexible backer member; and flowable sealant material.
 14. The screed joint of claim 12 wherein said upper screed portion comprises: an upper attachment flange; a first screed wall extending from said upper attachment flange and having a distal end spaced from said upper attachment flange; and a second screed wall extending from said distal end of said first screed wall and wherein said lower screed portion comprises: a lower attachment flange; and a lower screed wall extending from said lower attachment flange and defining said space between said lower screed wall and said second screed wall.
 15. The screed joint of claim 14 wherein said lower screed wall has a screed lip formed on a distal end thereof.
 16. The screed joint of claim 14 wherein said second screed wall has second support flange on a proximal end thereof for sliding engagement with said lower attachment flange.
 17. The screed joint of claim 14 wherein said distal end of said lower screed wall is located a first distance from said lower attachment flange and wherein said distal end of said first upper screed wall is located a second distance from said upper attachment flange that is greater than said first distance.
 18. The screed joint of claim 14 wherein said first screed wall forms an obtuse angle with respect to said upper attachment flange.
 19. The screed joint of claim 18 further comprising at least one weep hole through at least one of said first screed wall and said second screed wall.
 20. A wall structure, comprising: a first wall having a first wall surface defining a first plane; a second wall supported on said first wall and forming a joint therebetween, said second wall having a second wall surface; a screed joint comprising: a first attachment flange attached to said second wall; a first screed wall extending from said first attachment flange at a first obtuse angle, said first screed wall having a distal end spaced from said first attachment flange; a second screed wall extending from said distal end of said first screed wall, said second screed wall forming a second angle therewith; a screed lip extending from said second screed wall at a location between said distal end of said first screed wall and said proximal end of said second screed wall; a first amount of plaster applied to said first wall surface, said first amount of plaster having a thickness equivalent to a distance between said screed lip and said first wall surface; and a second amount of plaster applied to said second wall surface and having a thickness equal to another distance between said distal end of said first screed wall and said first wall surface.
 21. The wall structure of claim 20 wherein said first wall surface and said second wall surface are not coplanar.
 22. The wall structure of claim 21 further comprising sealant material in said joint.
 23. The wall structure of claim 20 further comprising at least one weep hole in at least one of said first screed wall and said second screed wall. 